Living with Moose

Moose are found across northern and central Ontario. They live near lakes, muskegs and streams of the boreal forest and on the northern tundra.

Moose are the largest animal in Ontario. Large males (bulls) weigh up to 600 kilograms.

Moose live on a diet of twigs, leaves, shrubs, upland plants and water plants.

Moose tolerate cold very well but suffer from heat. In summer, especially during black fly season, moose often cool off in water for several hours each day. Moose are strong swimmers and can dive more than five metres in search of food on the bottom of the lake.

Predators of moose include wolves and bears.  Hunting healthy adult moose is a difficult and often dangerous business for wolves. The flailing hooves of a cornered moose frequently cause broken bones and even death, and only about one confrontation in 12 ends with the wolves successfully killing a moose.

Conflicts happen

Though rare, vehicle collisions pose a serious threat to motorists and moose.  

Moose sometimes browse in gardens and residential areas, potentially damaging property and frightening residents.

Please keep in mind…

Wild animals have the same basic needs as humans – food, water and shelter. Sometimes, humans and wild creatures come into conflict when animals are trying to meet their basic needs. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we're willing to make small changes to how we think and act.

People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. We all share responsibility for preventing and handling human-wildlife conflicts. If you must take action against wildlife, please consider all your options and follow all relevant laws and regulations.
 

Conflicts with Moose

How Can I Prevent Conflicts?

Install barriers

• Put up fences or cattle guards around areas where you wish to keep moose out.
• Use tree guards to protect young, individual trees on your property.

Make your property unwelcoming

• Use lights, noise makers or flags to make your property less attractive to moose.
• Never feed moose.
• Keep dogs inside or on a leash to prevent encounters with moose.

Drive safely

• Collisions usually occur between dusk and dawn.
• Moose are most active during the spring and fall. Moose are often attracted to roadsides in the spring to lick the salt left by the melting snow.
• Drive with vigilance, constantly looking for moose near roads.
• Drive slowly in known moose crossing areas.
• If you see a moose, dim your lights and honk your horn to scare it off the road. Brake and avoid swerving.
• Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead.

What if I Encounter a Moose?

• Although moose may look docile, they can be quite dangerous if approached or cornered.
• Never approach a moose.
• Give moose plenty of space. Make sure the moose has a clear escape route.
• If the moose approaches you, back off. Look for a tree, fence or building to hide behind. If the moose charges, run to the nearest obstruction.
• Be extra cautious around females with calves and around bulls during the fall mating season.

Hunting as a tool to reduce conflicts

• You may not take lethal action against moose in protection of property.
• If significant property damage is occurring, contact your local Ministry of Natural Resources office.
• Hunting is an effective way to manage moose populations. You may hunt moose in the open season with a valid outdoors card and appropriate licence and seals. Regulations, seasons and municipal bylaws must be followed.

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